The Case of The Accommodation Proposed by the Bishop of Dunblane, Section · Part (3 of 3)

The Case of The Accommodation Proposed by the Bishop of Dunblane · Section · Part (3 of 3)

p. 65But he goeth on, However, are we Christians? Then doubtlesse the things wherein we agree, are incomparably greater then these wherein we disagree, and therefore, in all reason, should be more powerful to unite us then the other to divide us. Thus I have heard that the Bishop of Glasgow, in answer to a person expressing his fears of the return of Popery, told him, what then? We shall still be Christians; a notable use of Christian charity upon the pretext and possession of the name, to give way and countenance to corruptions manifestly tending to the subversion of the thing. But as a real agreement in t…e greater things of Christianity would certainly prove an infallible mean of reconciliation to most of our differences, and where it cannot reach the full cure, should neverthelesse still treat and handle with all tendernesse; so it is without controversy, that, on the otherhand, even the same reality, let be its simulat profession, p. 68is so far from perswading to aforbearance or compliance in case of sin, ingredient in incident contests, that it both admitteth dissent, and frequently requireth a contrary testimony and necessary withdrawing as more suteable thereto. But wherefore should I urge such deceitful generals? must we, of necessity, sinne with all Christians, or else divide from them; or if we unite with them, must we therefore sinne and comply with all their errors and defections? And now, for a just retortion the Aut…or, I hope, by his question, doth imply that we are also Christians: Nay, 'tis like, he denieth not but some of us are Christs Ministers; why then are we so hardly dealt with? Why …jected, banished, imprisoned, and confined …or disagreeing in things far inferior to t…ese, wherein we agree; yea in his own acceptation, but modes and formalities? How will he excuse this inconsequence and inequality? Or doth he think, that …he vain pretense of Authority abused against us… doth preponderat to this his great consid…ration, or that it will be an Apology for his so active concurrence.

But, after the manner of the conference at Pasly, he is not for debate… when it cometh to a reply; and therefore here restraineth himself with this advice, that if we love either our own or the Churches Peace, we should most carefully avoid two things, the bestowing of too great zeal upon small things, and too much confidence of opinion upon doubtfull …hings. But if his own practice may have any more credit then his words, it is easy, according to his acceptation of Peace, both to redargue this his advice of falshood, and also to exhibite a more true account of his method: For, as in the small and doub…ful things by him acknowledged, for such, it is most certain, that, on his side, he hath of late shown a greater zeal and confidence, then ever he did heretofore in all the…e strange revelutions, and important occasions of testimony, both against error and profanity, that have hapened in the space of his Ministry; and yet no man doubteth but that he is for his own and the Churches peace; so it is evident that his want of zeal …or God, together with his compliance with the uppermost power for the time, have been his only advantages. But why trifle I with such p. 69a person? If we love either our own or the Churches true peace, let us first love our Lord Iesus Christ; for He is our peace; His Righteousnesse, Ministry and Ordinances for these are the means of it: accounting nothing small or doubtful which he hath appointed in order thereunto, and wherein the great ends of the glory of God, and salvation of souls, are visibly concerned. Whether the things in controversy be such or not, I need not again affirm It is indeed a mad thing to rush on hard and bol…ly in the da…k, and such a pertinent reflection, in t…e close of the example, which the Author hath given us of it, attended with so little application, is an evidence beyond all other confirmation. But he that followeth the Lord shall not walk in darknesse.

And now the Author, for a conclusion of this Paper, tells us, And we all know what kind of person it is, of whom Solomon sayeth, that he rageth and is confident. And really if I had but the halfe of the Authors confidence, I think I could point out the very man. 'Tis true a weak monastick spirit long habituat to an affected abstraction & stoicisme, may render a man lesse capable of stronger passions, and consequently, for a time, exempt him from these ruder eruptions of rage; but whether he rage or laugh there is no rest: and if appearances hold according to the influences, which his last promotion seems to have had upon his dormant corruption, 'tis like, we may very shortly have a prelatick experiment of both. It is enough for us, that the Lord is our light and our strength, and none that love his righteous cause shall ever be assamed.

Now followes the second Paper, or Letter, almost of the same strain, and therefore I shall content my self to review it more succinctly. After the Author hath excused his not adducing of a positive divine warrant for his moderat Episcopacy, by demanding of us the like for our Church-assemblies and their subordinations, which I have already fully answered, he bringeth us in, objecting, that we are not against a fixed President or Bishop… or whatever else he be called, our question is about their power. And to this he answereth, intreating The question may he so stated… for he trusteth that the Bishops shall not be found desirous, to usurp any undue p. 68power, but ready rather to aba…e of that powe… which is reasonable, and conform even to primitive Episcopacy, then that a schisme should therefore be continued in this Church. It is answered, the Author is mistaken, in the very entry, in as-much as we do not only question the power, but are directly against the preheminence of a fixed Praeses: for seing the thing is in it self unwarrantable, and hath proven in the Church, a meer fomentation of pride, and, in its tendency, been inductive of the highest usurpations, as I have shewed, and is therefore by us expresly abjured, how can we in conscience again admit of it? 2. (Not to examine subtilly and strictly the import of the word power) seing its fixednesse and its concomitant dignity, that in a great part doth advance this moderatorship, which otherwise would be only an office, unto a superority, and thereto adde an influence of power, is rather a begging of the question; and therefore though in Civils this fixednesse, with its many other prerogatives and powers, be, by reason of the subject matter and expediency of humane affaires, very lawful and allowable; yet in Ecclesiasticks, the very same reason of the different nature of the things, with the constitution of a Gospel-Ministry, and the contradistinction, which our Lord himself hath founded betwixt it and the manner of civil governments, do clearly render this fixed presidency an undue gravam…n, impinging upon the brotherly parity, and just liberty of his Ministers. And certainly, if the necessary privileges of the naked office, viz. that of proposing, directing the consultation… stating the question, asking of opinions and votes, and the casting vote, in case of equality, be of such noment in the conduct of affa…res, that all the liberty of the Assembly, and unfixedness and accountablenesse of the Chairman, are scarce sufficient to secure them from abuse; to enforce them by a fixation, contrary to the Lords appointment of a ministerial parity, is not more unwarrantable then inconvenient. But 3. As these reasons do militat against the controverted Presidency in its greatest simplicity; so the Presidency now offered unto us, for all the abatements pretended, being still that of a Bishop absolutely at this Majesties nomination, not accountable to these over whom he presides, vested with great p. 69temporalities… and, lastly… wholly dependent upon the beck of the Supremacy, is, without all question, a thing most anti-scriptural, unreasonable, & disconform to all pure antiquity. Now, that thus it is… both as to the reality of the thing offered… & the censure I have passed upon it. I here openly challenge the Author and all his partakers, if they dare adventure to contradict me: What other construction can therefore be made of the alledged condescendences, then that in such a mixture they are only empty foolish pretensions? And what other judgment can be given upon the Authors offer to abate of his reasonable power, warranted by primitive example, then that the obligation of reason and pure antiquity are no lesse false then the offer made is simulat and elusory.

But seing the Aut…or, for all the warrants pretended… doth at least acknowledge himself not to be thereby astricted, but that he can come & go in thir matters at his pleasure; if he do indeed sincerely hate schisme, as he professeth, let h…m also confesse the violence done both to our consciences and persons in such free & arbitrary things, nay, in his Dialect, trifles, and repent of his late inconsiderat accession.

Passing therefore his deluded beliefe of the Bishops their not being desirous to usurp any undue power, but rather to abate contrary to their continual practice, & the Churches experience, now for the space of 1200 years & upwards; and evidently repugnant to the manifest conviction of all the circumstances of our case, I go on to his next supposition, viz. That though Bishops do stretch their power some what beyond their line, yet, let all the World judge, whether Ministers are for that ingaged to leave their stations, and withdraw from these meetings for discipline which themselves approve. And to this the answer is obvious, that neither the sinful thrusting in of Bishops, nor yet their excessive stretchin…s are the principal causes of our leaving and withdrawing: When in former times. K. Iames intro…uced Prelats into this Church, and they from time to time extended their usurpations, many of the …ords faithful servants in these dayes did neit…er desert nor withdraw; but continuing with much stedfastness, did constantly resist and testify against all the corruptions, then invading the true Church-government, p. 72whereof they were possessed. But, as the Author doth here fallaciously joyn our leaving of our stations (Which is false, we having been thence violently expelled) And our withdrawing from their meetings, groundlesly alledged to be by us approven; (which we hold to be a necessary duty) So, whoever considereth the manner of the late overturning by summary ejecting of many of us, dissolving all our Church Assembl…es, establishing a new government, not in, but over, the Church by the King and his prelats, wherein we never had any place, will easily be convinced… that we are not more calumniously accused by these, who would have their own crime to be our sin of leaving our stations, then clearly justifiable for withdrawing from these their Courts, which are wholly dependent on the Supremacy, and very corrupt Assemblies, which we never approved; but have expressly abjured. It is not therefore (as G. B. apprehends it) only by reason of the Bishops undue assuming of the Presidency in these meetings; nor yet because we are by them restrained in, and debarred from, the exercise of our power in ordination and excommunication (although these be very material grievances) that we do abstain from their Courts: No; but the plain truth is, that, over and above the foregoing cause, we hold the very constitution to be so much altered from that of a true Eccleasiastick Iudicatory, called in our Lords Name, and acting by his authority, unto meetings appointed meerly by the King, and recognoscing his Supremacy, that we judge our not conveening therein ought not to be so much as termed a privative withdrawing; but that it is in effect a negative disowning of them as of Assemblies, wherein we never had either part or place: which being a ground by himself acknowledged, as I …ave above observed, the Doctor's argument, that the Minist…y is a complexe power, and that as some of us have accepted a liberty to preach, administer the Sacraments, and exercise discipline congregationally, wi…hout liberty to meet in Presbyteries and ordain; so they may come to …resbyte…ies, notwithstanding they should be excluded f…om the full ex…ercise of all their power; is, by reason of the non-existence of the subject, viz. true Presbyteries, p. 73utterly cut off: besides, that it also labours of a manifest inconsequence; in asmuch as a Minister's doing, in the first case, all that he is permitted, and only forbearing where a vis major doth impede, is no just ground to inferre that therefore, in the second case, he may come to a meeting… and there by surceasing the exercise of his function, and making himself a c…pher, for strengthning & encreasing of the Bishops usurpation, in effect, tacitely surrender the power that he is bound to maintain: vvhichwhich tacite surrender I do really iudge to be more strongly implied, a…d of a more sinistruous consequence, then can be purged by a naked protestation, espe…ially the same being precontrived & capitulat; Whereby, without doubt, the significancy of this remedy, mostly commended by the necessity… and as it were the surprisal of the exigent not admitting of any other, is greatly diminished & impaired Notwithstanding of all which, this man, whose manner is to multiply assertions without reason, tells …s, in this place, that, When he hath streached his subtilty on the …enter-…ooks, he can not devise, why we may not joyn in these meetings under the abovementioned restraint: and againe concludes, that if after all that he hath said, we do still scruple, either we must be darkened, or he must have owls eyes to see clearly where there is no light.

But it were endlesse to take notice of all his tatle, and therefore I returne to my Author, who proceeds in his charge against many of us for separating from the publict worship and whole communion of of the Church, because of some degree of wrong done them, as they think, in that point of power … It is answered, although to render a solid reason of mens practices, specially when the same are only negative forbearances, whereunto even the forbearers scrupling and doubting doth in a manner and …or the time oblige, be not my undertaking; yet, that the accusation here impl…ed is very unjust, both in the extent and cause of the separation objected, is no hard matter to make out.

And, first, it is certain that the allegeance, that many of us separate from the publick worship and whole communion of the Church, hath no better ground, then that some of us, because of a just detestation p. 72of the perjury, intrusion, profanity, and insufficiency of the Curats, do withdraw from their Ministrie, specially, our true Ministers still remaining, though removed to corners, and our attendance on the Curats their Ministrie being expresly required as a due acknowledgement of, and compliance with, his Majesties government Eccleastick (O strange!) and Civil: now, whether this reason will infer the conclusion made against us, or on the contrary, doth not rather warrant the abstinence, reproached as sinful separation, to be duty, let the impartial judge. I shall not tell you, that …the assuming of the name of the Church, and accusing discountenancers of Separation, have been the common artifices, by which every prevailing sect or party have endeavoured to render their opposites odious: But of this I am very assured, that untill the Author do prove, that the possession of Gods house, which the Curats have taken to themselves, and the concurrence of Authority, wherewith they are supported, doth make them and their meetings, the only Church, his objection of separation is lame and inconcludent. And therefore, seeing that the broken Ministry, scattered Flocks, and secret meetings of the Lords faithful people in this Land, are still his true Church, both suffering and witnessing against the defection and intrusion of transgressors; and seing that the forbearance, excepted against, is only the effect of a just and hesitant aversation against the pretended Ministery, wi…hout either disproving the substance of the Worship, or rejecting and dividing from others that find a greater liberty, his charge of separation is, in this its extent, palpably iniquous.

As for the cause assigned for …ur alledged withdrawing, not from their Ecclesiastick Courts (for this point is already discus…ed) but from the publick Worship & Church-communion. viz. That it is because of some degree of wrong done us, as we think, in the point of power; …oth the known truth of the matter, and what I have already said, do plainly disprove it: The perjury, intrusion, profanity and insufficiency mentioned, can not be in this manner palliate. And I heartly wish, that the Author, who p. 73labours so much by his extenuation to cloak the Apostasy, whereby he and others have rebelled against God, broken the Covenant and changed the Ordinances, would yet seriously consider, that God will not thus be mocked. I grant there may be cases, Wherein we may sufficiently acquit ourselves by a free declaring of our opinion, and a modest desiring and waiting for a redresse, and so continuing in the performance of our own duty, though others do, or seem to transgresse theirs. But as it were ridiculous, to make this a salvo for all cases, and, in effect, it doth only hold, where our silence at another's transgression by breaking that command, Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy brother and not suffer sin upon him, may strengthen the sinners hand, and scandalize others; So, I have already proven, the insinuation here made of our deserting of our duty, to be such an absurd calumny, and the compliance required of us such a manifest partaking in other mens sins, that I wonder at the Author's disingenuity and weaknesse, in attacquing us by such generals.

What can be then said to what he subjoines, viz. Otherwise if we think our selves obliged for every thing that is, or that we judge, faulty in other persons, or the frame of things in the Church, to relinquish either our communion with, or our station in it, what will there be but endlesse swarms of separation and division in any Church under the sun. Surely this, as to us, must be a very pertinent and convincing reflection; seing… in the undervaluing sense of any Papist, it would as easily redargue all the Protestant Churches of their separation from Rome. But if in certain clear exigences, either of testifying against, or not partaking of, other mens sins, there may be a necessity of a proportional withdrawing, are therefore all measures broken, and must we be held for relinquishers on every occasion? Or because we are violently expressed, must we therefore be repute wil…ul deserters? Who would not pity such dissolute folly? And yet it is all the concludency of the Authors Argument, whereb… he would represente us as Patronizers of endlesse divisions: But if he minde to deal seriously in this matter, all we desire is, that he would first lay down his rules, that we may p. 74know the latitude of his comprehension, and then fairly s…bsume against us, and if I do not unanswerably prove either his excesse in the former, or calumny in the latter then let him glory over us.

In the next place, he again essayes to remove the great stick, as he termes it, the Covenant, and here waving, forsooth, its irregularities, whereof, notwithstanding their insinuat weight, number and influence, upon such wise and good men as himself, he neither doth adduce, nor can he make out one. And supposing the Oath still to be binding, and that the present Episcopacy in the Church is the same that was abjured, he tells us, that the Article against it doth only oblige every man, in his calling and station, to extirpate it; but not to extirpate themselves out o… their calling and station, if such an Episcopacy shall be introduced and continued against their will. 'Tis answered, not to repete what I have so often declared, anent the present constitution, quite different in its establishment… and many degrees worse then the former, and our obligation by the Covenant against it, the whole of this objection is very readily granted: But seing it is notour… that the far greater part of us were at once, by Proclamation cast out both of our places, pulpits, and parishes, and that our former Church-assemblies, being all at once in the same manner suppressed, we never had any station in these present meetings pretending to the succession, this pitiful quibling, as if we had extirpate our selves, when we was in effect expulsed, i… but a poor and weak mint at wit… altogether insufficient to colour its obvious impertinency. As to what doth here ensue for proving, that the pre…ent Episcopal-government is not the same with that which by the Covenant we abjured, and concerning the acceptation that it would find in England, I am sure I have considered it at that length, and discussed it upon such evident and certain grounds, as neither the Authors reason nor his prejudice, his impartiality nor partiality, with all the patience he wished us, and impatience which he himself often sheweth, will be able satisfyingly to remove… Whether then the things mentioned in this place by the Author, be indeed p. 75truths, as he alledgeth, or grosse errors and mistakes, as I have evinced, and his discerning in them… though the best he hath… sound, or on the contrary a palpable delusion… I willingly leave it to the Readers ingenuity.

He saith, if they be truths … he is sure, they are pertinent truths, towards the healing of our sad divisions. …ut when he shall make as much serious search after the cause, as he seemeth to be sensible of the effects, then I am sure he shall acknowledge them to be not only untruths, but most impertinent. However, if any list to be contentions, he wisheth he could say of this Church… we have no such custome. And this wish I confesse, is very consequent to both the Authors opinion and design: For, as we have heard him undervalue the Ordinance and Oath of God, though most convincingly sealed amongst us by the Lords Power and presence, unto modes and trifles, to the effect he may gain to a compliance, where he can not prevail by his simulat condescendencies; so, at present, supposing them to be as little material, as the length or shortnesse of the excrementitious hair, he endeavours to enervat all the just opposition of the faithful with the reproach of strange contention. But seing the things that we contend for do really merite that immovable stedfastnesse and constant perseverance, so much commended by our Lords command, and the example of all his followers, we hope the custome of perfidious time-serving, which the Prelats have so much practised in this distracted Church, shall never be able to counterballance it: And therefore as these men have by their vain, carnal and violent contentions, at best for their formalities, but… in effect, for fulfilling their sin…ul lusts and affections, not only dis-edified… but destroyed and subverted the Church of God in this Land, and disobeyed and disgraced the Prince of Peace, whom they pretend to follow; so let us, as the fearers of the God of truth, and true lovers of our Lord Iesus, who is the Truth and also our Peace, considering his example, so much the more endure contradiction, despise shame and reproach, fight …he good fight, keep the faith, and hold fast our integrity, that we may attain unto that Crown of righteousnesse, which the p. 76Lord the righteous Iudge shall give at that day unto all that love his appearing.

And now remaineth the Authors one word, which, he is sure is undeniable, and he thinks very considerable, and it is, that he that cannot joyn with the present frame of this Church (And if yow please to bring the matter nearer, with the termes of the present Accommodation) could not have lived in the Communion of the Christian Church in the time of the first most famous general Assembly of it, the Conncil of Nice; yea, to go no higher, though safely I might, (sayes he) he must as certainly have separated from the whole catholick Church in the dayes of the holy Bishop and Martyr Cyprian, upon this very scruple of the Government, as Novatus did upon another occasion. Whence the Author doth draw his assurance, and whereon it is that he would have us to bestow our consideration, I wish he had been more explicite: That in the times to which he referres there was an Episcopacy well advanced in the Church, and consequently a corruption contracted in its government, and yet by all quietly comported with, I do not deny; and to this, if it should be replied… that there is a hudge disparity betwixt a corruption contracted in lawful government, still holding the head and substance, by our Lords authority given to His Church, the worst that can be supposed of these primitive times, and a Government fundamentally corrupt, deriving all its power from him to whom it doth not belong, and founded in an Antichristian …upremacy, the certain character of the present constitution; I am confident, the Author would not be able to make any satisfying re…urn: But, the true account of the matter is, that in these ancient times, this Prostasia having crept in, and from small beginings, and under very specious pretenses, grown up insensibly in the Church, and the mystery therein secretly working not having openly disclosed it self, it is little wonder that, though by the more discerning the evill might be feared, yet never the lesse, no remedy offering, it was not directly opposed; whereas, in our dayes, this latent corruption, with its most pernicious tendency and bitterfruits, being fully discovered, and thereupon by us solemnly ejected and abjured, and now on… p. 77re-obtruded, under the guilding of some apparent condescendencies, the better to suppresse the true Government of Gods house, which we are bound to preserve, and for establishing the Sup…emacy, the very consummation of this iniquity. Certainly these things do import a most manifest difference. I shall not here stand to cleare, how that an Oath, though taken upon a matter antecedently binding, doth neverthelesse in such manner superinduce a …urther obligation, as doth not only more strictly bind to vigilance and circumspection, but also to a measure of zeal against defection, beyond the opposition to that same material transgression formerly required: nor need I to put any in minde, how that the sacrificing to the Lord in the high places, permitted without reproof to Samuel, David, and Solomon, before the building of the Temple, did afterward make an exception from the integrity of succeeding Princes. Certainly, to judge that the continuance of an evill, and a relapse into it are of the same nature, and that at this time we may have the same compliance with this episcopal Presidency, which once it found in the Church, under quite different circumstances, were grossly to confound times, despise warnings, trample upon deliverances, and violate the Oath of God, nay further, to contradict even the principles of these times mentioned, and that to that hight, that I am assured, were the same ancient Christians, boasted of, on li…e, to see the sad effects that have ensued upon their well-meaning practices, and the patrociny which is thence taken, for the backsliding and overt…rning of our dayes… their godly sorrow would work in them a carefulnesse, a clearing of themselves, an in…ignation, a fear, a vehement desire, a zeal, yea, and a revenge above all the detestation that our Author and his followers do commonly calumniat as fury amongst us. And Cyprian in place of his particular above cited Con…titut… &c. opposed to the then aspiring Prela…y, would become a Presbyterian of the strictest form: and therefore, though I do not owne these accusations of schism & total breach of communion with the Church, wherein the Authour is pleased to p. 78state and phrase the difference of present practice, from that of the ancient Church; But on the contrary, I have often and plainly declared, that the sin attending the compliance urged is the plain cause and measure of our withdrawing: Yet that our abstaining from the present Church-meetings, so widely differing from these of the ancient Church, and invironed with circumstances no lesse variant, doth not give ground to so much as that seeming opposition in practice, which the Author objects; But on the contrary, is the very same, which all the faithful therein would have chosen, upon the like exigence, I am confident, all true and serious observers will very readily acknowledge; and consequently that this the Authors one and last word, notwithstanding of the enforcing epithets of undeniable and very considerable, wherewith he seconds it, is neverthelesse nothing singular from all the rest premised.

Having thus largely digressed in the review of these Papers, and therein discussed most of the arguments used for this Accommodation; it remains that I follow forth the second Article, where I left: And though, for the better reaching of the outmost of our Adversaries pretensions, I have supposed Prelacy to be thereby reduced to a simple Presidency, and, in this sense, argued against it; yet since it is certain, that the nomination and election of the Episcopus Praeses, who when present is to preside, and when absent, doth, at best, only permit a precarious suffection, is not to be committed to the Presbyteries suffrage, but absolutely reserved to his Majesty; and, next, that the general of, all Church-affaires, and what may be meant by management, whether the decision only, when proposed to the Assembly, or both the proposing and deciding, do seem to require a further explication. I think the Article is further liable to these exceptions. I shall not here repeat, what I have said against the unwarrantablenesse and inevitable prejudice of the abridgement of t…e Churches just liberty, in the choise of its Moderators, in its several Assemblies, and his Majesties usurpation in this point; the thing which I at present note as defective, and which was also much desiderat, is p. 79a clear explanation, whether the power and liberty of proposing be aswel offered in this Article to the free vote of the meetings, as the power of deciding seems thereby to be conceded; or whether, according to the scheme of our National Synod, as now setled by Authority of Parliament, the power of proposing is not still to be the privilege of the constant moderator… or rather his Majesties prerogative to be exercised by the meer intervention of the fixed Praeses as his instrument. I shall not criticize, nor ask how the proposal came to be set down in these terms, That all Church-affaires shall he managed in Presbyteries & Synods by their free vote, rather then thus, that they shall be managed by Presbyteries & Synods & their free vote. OnelyOnly this I may affirme, that the second member of my doubt is no lesse probable, & consonant to the tenor and prescript of the Act mentioned, then evidently elusory of all the other liberties proposed. But wherefore do I hesitat in these smaller matters… The thing here principally to be observed is, that as, by the present establishment, annexing Church power and jurisdiction, to the Kings Crown and Prerogative, and thereby subverting all true Church-government, and making the pretended Presbyteries and Synods only the …ing and the Prelats their pitiful. Conventicles, the first Article inviting to Presbyteries & Synods is rendered vain and void, & all its cautions impertinent; So the Supremacy, now more then ever prevalent… is with this second article, and all the offer of liberty therein held out, plainly inconsistent: for proof whereof, I only desire that the two may be impartially compared. The Article sayes, that all Church-affaires shall be managed in Presbyteries or Synods by their free vote. And the Act of Supremacy statutes that his Magesty may enact, concerning all meetings and matters Ecclesiastick, what in his Royal misdome he shall think fit. How then can these two consist? or in what manner can they be reconciled? If these Meetings and the power of the Supremacy were both of the same kinde, and did stand in the same line, I know the subordination of Synods and Presbyteries to General Assemblies might easily explain the difficulty, but seing a subordination of this …ort betwixt these Courts and this high prerogative, p. 80would, in effect, distroy their true being and essence; and, on the other hand, to imagine that by this Accommodation, there is any derogation of the Supremacy intended so much as to be connived at, were foolish and presumtuous. It is clear that the Supremacy, and the liberty here pretended cannot rationally be composed; if therefore the Accommodators would deal uprightly in this affair, let them first shew us where these Presbyteries and Synods are, to which they would have us to come, and next cause us to understand the tru…h and reality of the just liberty they seem to offer, and then boast of their condescendencies. But while they suppose things for uncontroverted grounds, which are warrantably and plainly by us denied, and then would ingage us by a form of specious concessions, wanting al real foundation, they only discover their own palpable weaknesse or more unpardonnable disingenuity.

The third Article bears, If any difference fall out in the diocesian Synods betwixt any of the members thereof it shall be lawful to appeal to a Provincial or their Committy. That this Provincial is founded upon, and overswayed by the Supremacy; and ther…by manifestly disprovable, as neither a true Ecclesiastick-Court, nor enjoying any competent measure of power & liberty, is abundantly confirmed by the arguments above adduced against the preceeding articles. The singularites that here occurre are, that the constitution of a Provincial Assem…ly, being a Court not in use amongst us, should have been expresly declared. 2. That if we may guesse at this by Vshers reduction, and according to the present establishment, it must consist of members viz. the Bishops and Deans or constant Moderators of the province, both more unwarran…able as to their office, and corrupt in their practices then the ordinary constituents of inferior meetings. 3. That this provincial is to have a Committie which being yet very unlawfully established for a perpetual Court, can only conduce to the greater strengthening of the Archbishop's primacy, and the oversway of the subjected Assemblies: But seing the Bishop, in his last conference, hath passed from this Article, I shall not pursue it any p. 81further; only the gradation here traced of Presbyteries, Synods, and Provincial Assemblies moveth me to enquire, wherefore no mention of National Assemblies, a Court not only the Supreme in that scale, but so distinctly defined by a particular Act, viz. Act 4. 1663. in its Members, methods of procedor, and extent of power, that I cannot judge its omission accidental and undesigned; nay in effect it is a reserve which doth so unquestionably secure the whole interests and designs of Prelacy, and so evidently redargue all the proposals made of a trepanning mockery, that as I seriously marvel, how the Accommodators, knowing of this ultimate resort, so strongly complicated of all the strength of the Supremacy and Prelacy, did not extend their other concessions to all things else that could be demurred; so I am no lesse to seek, wherefore the Brethren, who treated, did except so little against it. I need not here exhibite any long description of this Court, which I have several times above mentioned: The Act is full and plain to the meanest capacity: The King, in the very entry, assumes to himself not the indiction only (Which was all that, after long contendings, the more consistent usurpation of former times did by the Act 1612. ascribe unto him) but the constitution of this National Synod, whereby having named and appointed the members and the Archbishop of S. Andrews for President, with an expresse limitation of the time and place of their meeting to his Majesties order, and of the matters to be treated and determined, concerning Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government, to his Royal p…easure, to be signified in write to the President above named. The …ing, with the advice of the Estates, confirmeth the same, as the lawful constitution of our Church-assemblies, provided that the King or his Commissioner be alwayes present, and that no Act or O…der be owned as such, but that which shall be agreed upon by the President and major part of the members, and not contrary to the Kings prerogative, or law of the Kingdom. And lastly, that no Act, matter or cause be debated, consulted, and concluded, but what shall be allowed and confirmed by his Majesty or his Commissioner p. 82for the time. Now, I say, this Act and Constitution still standing & remaining, let any ingenuous person declare singly, what he thinketh all the proposals so long tinckled upon can signify, or what liberty have the dissenting Presbyterian brethren, which may not hereby be restrained and rendered ineffectual? And what abatement is there condescended unto of the exorbitant powers of Prelacy, which is not here either formally or virtually repaired? And, in a word, what good can we expect by any Accommodation, which may not by this frame be certainly frustrat and made void. I have not, in this place, noted the strange and palpable usurpations of the Supremacie against the Lord, and over his Church, which this device and project containe…; because, as, in all the parts and passages of our present establishment, the vestiges of that wickednesse are very conspicuous; so, it is in this Act that they are visible in their highest exaltation.

From all which it may very easily be gathered that the Bishop's policy, in his silence on this point, was no lesse necessary for the carrying on of his intention, then the reservation of the thing the very colluvies of all corruption of Church-government… deriving its influence and perversions unto all inferior and subordinat Assemblies, doth render all the other overtures of agreement elufory and insignificant.

The fourth Article is, that Intrants being lawfully presented by the Patron and …ly tryed by the Presbytery, there shall be a day agreed upon by the Bishop and Presbytery, for their meeting together for their solemn ordination and admission, at which there shall be one appointed to preach, and that it shall be at the parish Church where he is to be admitted, except in the case of impossibility, or extreme inconveniency; and if any difference fall in touching that affair, it shal be referable to the provincial Synod, or the Committee, as any other matter. This is the Article, but there is nothing sound, the very entrie offends; not that I judge that for the single cause of Patronages being restored, and presentations made requisite for intituling to a …tipend or benefice, Intrants (all other things being plain) should stand off and p. 83may not lawfully enter that way; No, though patronages be indeed in themselves a heavy grievance, and in their exercise, for the most part, partial and sinful, and upon these grounds, by an expresse Act in the year 1649. abolished; yet to Intrants otherwise innocent they are certainly only the greatest injurie. But the thing I except, is, 1. That according to this proposal it seems Ministers formerly lawfully called and ordained, and now wrongfully outed, shall have no regresse to the exercise of their Ministry, save by this method, which certainly in these circumstances can not but render the pressure far more uneasy. 2. What shall become of Patronages pertaining to Bishops, and of other Churches which are of their patrimony? Certainly this is a point not so far without our line, but at least in a conjunction with the many other things that justly grieve us it may make a part of our regrete.

But I proceed to take notice of the manner of Ordination here discribed, and passing the trial previously appointed, It is proposed that there shall be a day agreed upon by the Bishop and P…esbytery for their meeting together, for the solemn ordination of Intrants: By which it is evident, that it is not the vote of the plurality, that in this matter, can make a determination; no, the Bishop and Presbytery must both agree to this appointment, the whole Presbytery cannot overrule him in it. And here I cannot but observe the cunning slieness of this draught. The Bishop in all his discourses and treaties hath still, in this point of Ordination, kept himself in the clouds; To assume to himself the sole power of Ordination or a negative voice and part in it is more then all his musty alledgeances, from obscure antiquity, and declining purity, for his fixed presidency, will amount unto; and to descend to posterior Ages of the Church, would be of a consequence no lesse dangerous, as to the many corruptions that then were crept in, then the ascending to the prior times of scripture light would prove contrary to this prelatick arrogance. On the other hand, seing both the humor and design of Episcopacy ingage him to be principal in the action of Ordination, therein to be subject to the p. 84determination of the susfrage of the Presbytery, is nothing agreeable, and can not be digested. And what variety in his discourses this halting ambiguity hath produced, I leave it to such as have had the opportunity to observe: But now that we have him in write, it is worth our pains to consider the contrivance.

We have heard, in the second Article, that he is willing that Chnrch-matters be managed in Presbyteries and Synods by the vote of the plurality, a fair insinuation that the matter of Ordination shall be in the same manner transacted: And in this Article he leaves the trial to the Presbytery, consents that, if possible, the Ordination be at the parish Church, where one shall be appointed to preach, and, lastly, is content differences falling in be referred to the Superior Courts; all fair generals. But wherefore no mention who shall be the actual ordainers, whether the Bishop and whole Presbytery, or the Bishop alone in behalfe and as Mederator of the Presbytery, or the Bishop alone as indeed something greater (whether as in a superior order, or only in a higher degree is but a School nicety) then either a Presbyter, or the Presbytery, & to whose office this part doth properly belong? And, as to these things, though we be left in the dark, yet many palpable indications lead us to feel this last to be the thing designed, against which, if I might now stand to debate, I could show this not only to be contrary to Evangelick parity and simplicity and Apostolick practice, and destitute even of these pretended testimonies of the next Ages for a fixed prostasia; but that it hath been one of the main impostures of the prelatick Spirit, first injuriously to usurpe, and then mysteriously to involve the matter of Ordination, that the Bishops might have the dignity to be its proper dispensators and the mystery of iniquity be the more thereby advanced.

But the point here most remakable is, that apprehending his condescendencies might render him, as being obnoxious to the plurality of voices, of lesse power and influence in this affair, Behold how craftily he goeth about to salve his negative, which he may not, for fear of a discovery, plainly owne, and that is, by p. 85making the appointment of the day for ordaining to depend on his and the Presbyteries joynt agreement, wherein if he please to be a dissenter, It is certain that his not assenting to this circumstance will be of no lesse consequence for his purpose, then if he had reserved unto himself an inhibiting veto, upon the substance of the whole businesse.

Now, that this power, in what sort soever by him couched and covered, is not to be allowed, his want of any sufficient warrant for it doth aboundantly evince… And further what the Scripture and Apostolick rule in this affair is, these few considerations may in this place satisfie.

1. That the power of Ordinantion is certainly annexed to, & dependent upon, the pastoral charge; for, seing that the cure committed to the Apostles, and by them to succeeding Pastors, could not be perpetuat without a succession, the evident reason of the thing it self, with the import of that command, The things that thou hast heard of me, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also, do plainly perswade the assertion.

2. As we find in Scripture the Apostles and others upon occasion by themselves alone ordaining, so whereever a concurrence did offer, we may observe the Act to be alwayes joyntly done and administrat; so we find the twelve joyntly ordaining and laying their hands upon the seven Deacons, without any prerogative acclaimed by Peter, who yet, if falshoods may be compared, hath more apparent grounds in Scripture for his Primacy, then can be shewed for the Presidency of any Bishop. Next we have the fraternity of Prophets and Teachers at Antioch sending forth and imposing hands upou Barnabas and Saul, by a like equall conjunction.

3. It is said of Paul and Barnabas that they (in a plural union) Did ordain Elders in every Church

And 4. it is manifest that Paul, by reason of his concurrence with other Presbyters in the Ordination of Timothie, doth attribut the same act indifferently to his own hands and, to the hands of the Presbytery. Which Scripture-grounds p. 86being joyned to the want of any probable reason for this singularity, and the manifestly woful and sad consequences of this Episcopal imparity with the present unquestionable design of bearing down the just liberty and authority of the Lord's Ministers, in a convenient Subserviency to mens lusts and wickednesse, by the stiff and inflexible retaining of this privilege, do, I am confident, make out the eccentrick preheminence acclaimed to be not only in it self unlawfull, but by our solemn Oaths to maintain Presbytery, and extirpat every thing that shall be found to be contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of godlinesse perpetually abjured. Seing therefore that this Article doth certainly imply this corruption, as I have above declared, that it can have no better acceptance from us, then the preceeding, needeth no further reasoning. As for the other trifling circumstances, whereby the principal thing in it, is endeavoured to be palliat, they do not merite any more speciall inquiry.

The fift Article is, It is not to be …oub…ed but the Lord Commissioner will make good what he offered anent the establishment of Presbyteries and Synods; and we trust his Grace will procu…e such security to the Brethren for declaring their judgment, that they may do it without any hazard in counterveening any law, and that the Bishop shall humbly and earnestly recommend this to his Grace. This Article made up of uncertain assurances, ridiculous trusts, and the Bishop's conformable undertaking, is already by me sufficient…y examined, in the very entry of this discourse; and there told, that what the Commissioner did undertake anent the establishment of Presbyteries, I did not exactly know; but if it was that which is reported, viz, that they should be set up as preceeding the 1638. I thought it could contribute not…ing to the removal of our just exceptions. I shall not here offend the Reader by a vain repetition; but seing the grounds formerly laid down are very material, and yet by the most part little adverted to, it will not be amisse that, after the full and plain account I have given of these matters, I again run over them; and

1. That according to the principles of truth, Presbyteries are not p. 87founded in any humane establishment, but in the right and Authority which our Lord hath given unto his Church, is our constant perswasion: so that, though the accessory confirmation and countenance of the powers may be of great use to, and no lesse acceptance with the Church, yet it is no part of their original right.

2. Before the 1638. and even until the Year 1661. Presbyteries were founded and did continue in this Church, not by vertue of any Act of …arliament, whereby they were properly authorized; but upon the basis of that intrinseck right, which I have already mentioned. Thus having conveened and settled themselves shortly after the Reformation, they continued their possession uninterrupted until the Year 1661. It is true, they obtained the confirmation of King and Parliament in the Year 1592. as also in the Year 1612. many corruptions introduced, and invasions made by the Prelats upon the rights and privileges of these Assemblies, were b… the same Authority, ratified and approven: but as by the latter Act their being was not totally dissolved; so it is not unto the former that they do owe their fundamental establishment.

3. All that can be probably gathered from what is promised, is, that possibly to some such apparent mixture of Episcopacy and Presbytery, now to be formed, as did result from t…e intrusion of Prelats upon Presbyteries, before the 1638. the civil s…nction may be interposed: But since now the case is vastly altered, and that in effect, at present, there is not so much as any kinde of true Ecclesiastick-government or meeting to be found among the Prelats and their Dependents; nay, that all we are to expect is some hodge podge device of Supremacy accommodat to its desires, and directly and absolutely subjected to its pretended omnipotency, it is clear and certain, that this mistaken project can aff…rd us no clearing: If any man judge me uncharitable, how glad would I be to be found really in …he wrong? But seing it is evident, that the Supremacy is rather more and more ascendent, and that there is not the least probability either of its mitigation, or of the p. 88rescission of the Act for Restitution, &c. Anno 1662. and yet far lesse the retreating of the Proclamation Ianuary 1662. dissolving Presbyteries, and of their, and their true members reestablishment, all requisite to give the Lord Commissioner's offer (if any such was made) a genuine and satisfactory meaning, why should we preserve an illusive charity to plain and solid ingenuity.

But if any man will still contend, the comparing together of the first and second part of this Article, I am certain, will prove sufficient to convince the most inflexible opiniaster. In the first part, It is not doubted, but the King's Commissioner will make good his offer, viz. to set up Presbyteries as before 1638 In the second, it is hoped, that he will procure due security to the Brethren in the free declaration of their judgment. But if true Presbyteries be rightly restored this security is clearly superfluous; and if they shall not be restored in that integrity, but by vertue of the Supremacy, on which they depend, reduced to the figure of the then model, by authorizing the above mentioned mixture, it is evident, that in place of resolution, we have only an arbitrary politick alteration, a compliance wherewith no declaration & protestation can in any wise purge, as I have already fully proven: And this is indeed one of the reasons, why I termed the Bishops trust ridiculous. But yet I confesse there are other causes that do more provoke me to this character, the one is, that it should be imagined, that Governours will give an antecedent licence to transgresse lawes, which neverthelesse in all probability they have not the least intention to repeal; the other is, that the Bishop should suppose that a testimony, requisite upon the account of duty, may be either forborn or suspended, for want of an assured immunity; whereas it is most certain, that whereever faithfulnesse to God doth require our appearance, though in the things that are least, the fear of man, that bringeth a snare, is not to be regarded, much lesse to be therewith ballanced. I acknowledge indeed, that the faint and pusillanimous dealing of some of the Brethren, who conferred, in making this their scruple, seems to have drawn from the Bishop this insinuat sollution, and I should verily have p. 89taken it for a scornful indulgence, if he had not to his hope adjoyned the promise of his humble and earnest intercession. But seing it is to be by all regreted, & we hope shall be by the decliners themselves bitterly mourned for, that being in so just and so good a cause not only called, but in effect openly provoked and bafled to give an answere whith reasons, to the demand made unto them, they did not so sanctify the Lord God in their hearts, and with their tongues, as to shew a readinesse thereto with meeknesse and fear, let be to give a testimony for God in such an important exigence, it is evident that this pitiful caveat with the promise annexed are at best but the effects of a carnal condescendence unto a sinful fear. If the Lord call for our confession, who ever heard that that, which is its special grace, even the obvious apprehension of hazard, should be its hinderance? Nay, who is man in that case of whom we should be afraid? But and if the Lord require it not, this is certainly a foolish antidote to a vain solicitude.

And thus we are arrived at the sixth & last Article, That no Intrant shall be ingaged to any canonical oath, or subscription unto the Bishop; and that his opinion anent tha… government shall not prejudge him in this, but it shall be free for him to declare. And this is truly the only fair condescendence that of them all hath any thing of a just ease; But seing it is very inadequat to the main difficulty, and for an apparent liberty of opinion doth certainly tend, according to the late morality of these times, to involve us in many sinful and inconsistent practices, I shall not further urge it.

And now having finished the examination of these six Articles, & therein, amongst many other empty pretensions, and inextricable ambiguities, rencountered a most cunning & viperous invective against the League and Covenant, consisting of the like number, as if it were a meer politick complication of doubts and snares, for the more clear redargution of the Authors presumption and malice, I cannot but desire my Reader, impartially to consider both, and what, and with what successe boht of us have objected, and, I am confident, that though an al most p. 90infinite over proportion of matter for importance, aswel as variety, the greatest diversity of humors, interests, opinions, nay and almost of Nations, that ever concurred in one treaty, with the no lesse disproportion of parts and abilities in us, the two Antagonists, do every way increase and accumulat the disadvantages on my part; yet it will appeare, that such is the power and vertue of a righteous cause that where in the attacquing the Covenant the Authour hath carried back nothing but his own shame and our scorne, the truth, not I, hath, on the other side, dissipated and routed his Articles with an entire victory, which if he or any man account vain, or a preposterous triumph, it is only truths confidence, and I do hereby confirm it with a no lesse resolute defiance.

Hitherto I have examined this overture of Accommodation, according to its terms contained in the above-written Articles. As for the exceptions that may be made against it from its contrivance, tendency, and circumstances, the inconveniencies that would ensue upon it, and other more remote arguments, they are so easily deduceable from the preceeding grounds, that it were superfluous to prosecute them by any more distinct proposal. That we may therefore, once for all, review and summe up the manifold and manifest evils of this device, not more conceited and boasted of by its contrivers, the Servants of men, then deservedly rejected by all the true Ministers of our Lord Iesus Christ: Notwithstanding of all the specious pretexts and fair smoothings that have been adhibite for triming up this Accommodation to an alluring and taking condescendence; yet, I am perswaded, that who ever seriously ponders what hath been said upon it, will be quickly convinced that the difficulties following do still remain as invincible impediments to all conscientious men.

First, That a conjunction with and in the present Church meetings, is a certain acknowledgment of, and participation with the present Ecclesiastick-government, which in effect is not truly such, but a meer politick constitution wholly dependent upon, p. 91and resolving in the Supremacy, wherein no faithful Minister can take part,

Secon…ly, That this conjunction doth evidently infer a consent and submission to this Supremacy, as arrant an usurpation upon the Kingdom of Iesus Christ in and over his Church, as ever did dare the King of …ings, and Lord of Lords in any age.

Thirdly, That though this consent could not be objected, yet such is the present elevation of this all-swaying Prerogative, not intended to be depressed, that all other conc…ssions, though in themselves satisfying, would thereby be deprived of any consistent assurance; and rendered wholly elusory. And really, when I reflect upon these particulars, I cannot forbear to ask, with what conscience can Ministers rather partake in Church-meetings framed by, and under the power of the Supremacy, then if the Bishops were therein still to domineer after the rate of the highest Prelacy? Or what delusion can be more ridiculous, then that men excepting against meetings, because of the Bishops usurpation therein, should upon the vacating and reassuming of this power by the King as Supreme, be thereby entised unto a compliance.

But, Fourthly, as these meetings are founded upon, and absolutely subjected unto the Supremacy; so the often cited Proclamation, and Act of Res…itution tell us, that they are authorized and ordered by the Archbishop and Bishop; and consequently do in such manner derive their Authority from them, that the Members do only act therein as the Bishops their Delegates, or rather as the subdelegates of his Majesties Delegates, a strange accumulation of absurdities, which, I am certain, this constitution standing, cannot be salved by any overture whatsomever.

Fifthly, The meetings, whereunto we are invited, do consist of …uch members for their perjurious intrusion, and canonical servitude (to say nothing of their more extrinseck delinquencies of profanity, insufficiency, and irreligion) as may not only warrant a non-conjunction, but a positive separation. And certainly if the lower degree of these crimes, in the time of the former Bi… hops, p. 92did even, under that different constitution, offend some of the Lords faithful servants to an abhorrent with drawing, how much more should their brimful measures in our dayes, with the duty of a testimony, which our Covenant, and mens unparalleled backslidings, do now require, justify our detestation? It is true G. B. tells us that under this there may be a fear in us, that we shall not carry things as we would, which he thinks, is very little suitable to the patience we p…ead for: But really, so long as our will is moved and directed by the Rules, and in order to the ends, which our Lord hath appointed to these Courts, I see not how this fear can be condemned, as either ambitious, or disagreeable to our principles.

Sixtly, Notwithstanding of any thing conceded by the Articles, and over and above all that hath been said against an Ep…scopus Praeses, even in the most moderate acceptation, the …i…hop as offered to be reduced, is repugnant both to Scripture, purer antiquity, and our solemn Oaths and Ingagements, inconsistent with he principles of Presbytery, and in effect very little lowed from any of these powers and hights which he acclaimes, in asmuch as he is still at the King's nomination and not subject to either the censure or control of the meetings, over which he doth preside. 2. He retaineth all his vain and absurd temporalities. 3. As constant Moderator the power of proposing and the method of handling and voting any matter controverted, with the care and direction of the execution of any sentence pronounced, pertaineth to him solely. 4. For any thing as yet declared, the Bishop must have at least a more eminent power and suffrage, in the matter of Ordination and Excommunication: and, in this point, not only the Articles are most suspitio…sly reserved and obscure, but if we take notice of the Accomodators their other discourses and writings, we have little reason to doubt that the power of both is to abide with him, as it was established by the Act 1612. and observed before 1638. So that, in my opinion, all the ease offered by the Accomodation may be very quickly calculat; and in a word amounts to this only, that p. 93where now these meetings, do by a precarious tolerance consult and determine in lesser matters, and in things more weighty, do rather prepare and ripen to the Bishop's decision, who also ordaines and censures with very little ceremony, by this Treatie and its Articles, over and above the wretched salvo of a pactioned and contrariant protestation, this tolerance is to be changed into a more assured liberty, as to the Bishop, but every whit as dependent upon the King as Supreme; And the acts of ordination and excommunication are to be passed and performed, more publickly and with greater solemnity. Which observation, I must confesse, is to me so obvious, that it hath been alwayes attended with no lesse perswasion, that if the Bishop did not judge our consciences as peevish and fickle, as he asteemeth the matters in difference frivolous and empty trifles, he would not have this risced his own reputation, in all the business and stir he hath made about such a nothing of condescendence. Of which I am the more confirmed, that though the papers which I have discus…ed were by the Bishop acknowledged to have been written some years ago, and do all along conclude a conformity to the present establishment; yet the Bishop very justly, though imprudently, supposing the case to be still the same, hath made much use of them of late without the least alteration to ingage us unto the terms of his new agreement.

Seventhly, This Accommodation utterly disowns & cuts off the Ruling Elder, an officer not only clearly warranted from Scripture and the nature of the Churches constitution, and singularly commended by his usefulness; but in some respect countenanced even by the mixtures we see in his Masters ecclesiastick commission.

Eightly, The Terms offered being proposed with this expresse condition, (Episcopacy being alwayes preserved) and in effect so fully retaining the substance of all the corruptions and grievances of that model and frame, by us very solemnly and often abjured both by the National and the Solemn League and Covenant, to close and comply therewith were, at least, to desert the Lords cause, by p. 94casting away the word of his patience in this hour of temptation… and to give our selves to that detestable indifferency and neutrality, which we have by Oath so enixly renounced.

Ninthly, The embracing of this pretended coalition, but real suppression of Presbyterian Government… would not only be a total surrender of that interest unto the will of its adversaries; but ingage us into snares contests, offences, and temptations, that may be better foreseen then they can be numbred, let be prevented. The Authors propone peace, as the scope of their overture, and yet they know, nay do expresly provide a liberty for the differences and protestations, that must necessarily ensue: What a strange method have we here of composing strife, neither by removing the grounds, nor separating the parties; but plainly, by joyning them in their declared opposition and sworne contrary endeavours, of the one to mantain, and the other to extirpat, to exasperate the feuds? And is not this one reflection sufficient to redargue the insincerity of this whole project, and to informe all men, that it is not union, but the very extinction of Presbytery that is thereby designed?

I shall not here note, that the Brethren, being once brought in to these meetings, where there will be infallibly, no less discord then inequality, it is not to be doubted, but the hatred, envie and jealousies of the stronger against the weaker would in this juncture, so fertile of occasions, soon procure the latter to be deposed and ejected. And that by a power, which they could not so well disowne. But this, I am sure, would in that event fall out so acceptablie to the patient, that I shall not, at present… reckon it as an inconvenience. The evills more to be considered are, that as no conscientious man can rationally hold out the smallest benefite or use of edification, that can arise to the Church of Christ by this so heterogenious, distracted, and unequal association; so, what can be thence expected, except either the temptation of continual heats, sorrowes and offences, or rather, according to the present too visible decay, the cooling of zeal, the declining to luke warmness, the ensnaring of consciences, con…iving p. 95at corrupt Acts and practices, the partaking of other mens sins, and the evill example, stumbling and grief, that will thereon redound to all the fearers of God and lovers of his righteous cause. I do not here make mention of the offence of the people, as some do, who use it as an argument, yea their main one, that this Accommodation being displeasing by provoking them to withdraw from such as close with it would defeat its own design. No, if the thing be righteous and otherwise expedient, to indulge to humors is indeed a vain popularitie: And I am heartily sorry, that good men, in so good a cause, should have bewrayed so great weakness, as by insinuating a false charge of humor against the people, to have not only discovered their own pusillanimitie, but furnished the adversarie with so faire and plausible an advantage. But leaving them, in this point, to. G. B'^s correction, and him also to his vain illusion, as if herein he had overcome a great part of our strength, The offence, that I fear, & prognostick from a compliance with this Accommodation, is quite of another nature, viz. that now, in this baksliding time, such a bad and influencing example may be of dangerous consequence to remove them from their stedfastness. And how tender of the soul concernment of the Brethren, and fearful of that wo, which even he who is the blessing of all Nations hath denounced against them, by whom offences come, every sincere Christ an ought in this point, to be, I hope all interested will seriou…ly consider.

But now it is full time to conclude. And therefore I say, that …eeing the termes of this Accommodation are ambiguous, defective and sin…ul, its designe and tendency most pernicious to the true Government of Gods House, and the Kingdom of Iesus Christ, and its whole fabrick and frame, to the conviction of all discerning men, only forged out by necessity and Policy, and smoothed by delusion and hypocrisy, on purpose to catch a small remnant of the Lords faithful Ministers, witnesses against the present backslidings & thereby, if possible, for ever to suppresse the restoring of the work of God in the Land, I judge it ought to be p. 96rejected as a vain ensnaring invention: So that, although the hatchers should be thereby wrathfully irritat, & this cockatrice egg should break out into a viper; yet better it be crushed for our suffering, then sinfully eaten to our death & destruction. The reproches of ungovernable and unpeacable may indeed be bitter unto ingenuous spirits, let be sincere lovers of the Prince of peace, and the persecution of men may possibly proceed to afflict and vexe: But seing that, through Sathan and the world their known enmity against the Lord and all his followers, these things are, in place of the opprobry, become rather the badge of truth, Only let our conversation be as becometh the Gospel, and let us stand fast in one spirit with one minde striving together for the pure ordinances of Gods house once given unto us, nothing terrefied by our adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to us of salvation and that of God: for unto the fai…hful it is given in the behalfe of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. There is, I confesse, one temptation, which doth more speciously insinuate, and that is, the losse of the liberty of the Gospel, which men may possibly, in their displeasure, abridge or totally take from us: But as this solicitude is not more praise worthy, when devolved on our Lord and master, then subtilly deceitful, when its application is, spare thy self, So let none of these things move us, Neither let us reckon our lives dear unto our selves, so that we may finish our course with joy, and the Ministry, which we have received of the Lord Iesus. Let therefore truth, simplicity and godly sincerity be our main study, and faith & entire submission our only establishment, knowing, and on this resting, that not only his peace here shall be our portion and the end everlasting life: But that God can as easily of our ashes raise up Ministers to himselfe, as of stones Children to Abraham. And that he who hath glorified his name, will glorifie it again. AMEN.

FINIS.